Apply for 2018 Scholarships

NEW APPLICANTS - HOW TO APPLY

Please read carefully and include the multiple items that must be included when returning the application.(These directions can be downloaded as a PDF below, and are also included in the downloadable application form.)

All Documents must be postmarked by April 13, 2018 or submitted electronically no later than April 13, 2018.

The Scholarship Committee will begin their review of the submitted applications shortly after the deadline. Decisions will be announced in writing in July, 2018.

Scholarship application PDFs for new applicants can be downloaded out by clicking the red button at the bottom of this page, and are also available from ESL or The Brooklyn High School Counselor Office. Submit a completed original application to the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund by emailing or snail-mailing to the same address provided at the bottom of this page (the addresses are also provided on the application form itself). The application form is a downloadable PDF that must be emailed or snail-mailed back with the required documents listed below in red.

Please note that multiple items must accompany the form you download, so if you plan to return via email, you will need to scan the items listed below and send as jpeg, native Word or PDF files.

The form must be TYPED or PRINTED legible in black ink. Answer all questions completely. If a question does not apply to you, write N/A (not applicable). Leave no questions unanswered.

The following items are required. All of these items must accompany your application, either by mail, or by scanning them and sending them via email.

Submit two (2) Completed Recommendation Forms. Recommendations are required. At least one recommendation must be written by a teacher or counselor. There is a button to download the Recommendation Form PDF below.

A Letter of Acceptance from college you plan to attend must be submitted with application.

Repond to All Essay Questions in the application. Each essay must be no more than 250 words. Explain why you should be selected as a Merit Scholar and how your academic goals will help you achieve your professional goals and what impact you will make as a result of achieving your education.

A Photocopy of your Processed FAFSA (Free Applicant for Federal Student Aid) must be sent to the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund office. You must submit the FAFSA (Free Applicant for Federal Student Aid) to an approved processor, such as American College Testing (ACT) or the College Scholarship Service (CSS). The FAFSA maybe obtained after January 1st, 2016 from a high school counselor, college financial aid office, local public libraries or online. Your FAFSA must cover the same academic year as the application for Award.

Dependent Students must include parent financial information. If you will not be 24 years of age by Dec. 31, 2017, but wish to apply as an independent, you MUST verify that you fit one of the following criteria:An orphan or ward of the state, a parent with legal dependents or a married student

Official Academic Transcript - All applicants must arrange for an official academic transcript to be sent directly from their high school to the Greater East St. Louis Community Fund office. The transcript must show fall semester grades with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Copy of Utility Bill - send a current utility bill from your residence to verify residency in East St. Louis or Brooklyn. Utility bill must not be older than 90 days.

The above requirements are also listed in the Scholarship Application Form you will print out after completing on line or can obtain via email or in the Brooklyn High School Counselor Office.

Please read carefully and include the multiple items that must be included when returning the application.

All Documents must be postmarked by April 13, 2018 or submitted electronically no later than April 13, 2018

Mailing address:Greater East St. Louis Community Fund, P.O. Box 547, East St. Louis, Illinois 62202

RENEWING APPLICANTS

2018 Renewal Applications are available for Students who have previously been approved and are now requesting their next scholarship disbursement. Students must also submit a current transcript and Enrollment Form or Class Schedule showing full-time enrollment for Fall 2018. To download the Scholarship Renewal Application, click here. All Scholarship Renewal Applications must be returned no later than June 8, 2018.